May is Mental Health Month! We’re exploring the ways movement and exercise positively affect mental health. You can super boost your fitness AND your mental health with some simple lifestyle tweaks. Learn more about that on our full newsletter.
We’re celebrating all the MAMAS this month too. All you moms out there showing up and working hard- in and out of the Studio- we see you, we love you!
HIPS don’t lie…they tell us so much about our bodies and our mobility. As a rotational joint, the hip is imperative to our movement from the foundation of your stride to the depth of our squats. Learn more about your hips and how they move in Kinstretch.
The limelight this month is on our core value of respect. The meaning of respect in its simplest form is; a feeling or expression of admiration or regard for something or someone. It can be shown through polite behavior, careful consideration and avoidance of actions that would harm or disrespect. At the Studio, we’re cultivating mutual respect by starting and ending classes on time, supporting students whether they’re beginners or taking their one thousandth class, and being up front and transparent with our pricing and policies.
MOVEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH
Movement and exercise have significant impacts on mental health including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function.
Physical activity on the regular can release endorphins, boost self-esteem and provide a health coping mechanism for stress. At the Studio, we’ve also found that working out in a supportive, fun community of people with the common goal of being healthy for a lifetime goes a long way too.
Other ways to improve your mental health AND boost your fitness outcomes*:
Light & Dark Exposure– Morning sunlight (low solar angle) or artificial light as early as possible for 10 minutes. Darkness for 6-8 hours/night for circadian rhythm.
Nutrition– Food as close to source as possible (minimal processing). Eat 3 meals a day with mostly veggies, protein and carbs. Hydrate!
Sleep– 6-8 hours a night of quality sleep; give yourself a wind down period, try to go to sleep at about the same time every night (within +/- 1 hr)
Social Connection- regular social connections that elevate mood (group fitness!)
Modulating Stress- Breath work, meditation, non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) are tools that can be effective at calming the swirling thoughts of the mind.
FRC FOCUS: HIPS
Let’s talk about those hippies! Happy hips move in all directions from flexion to extension, internal to external rotation and adduction to abduction. They’re a powerhouse joint that enable the body to do everything from stand to squat to dance! This month, find out what you got for hip mobile mobility and apply what you learn to your other workouts. Try these Hip CARs at home to get things rolling!
Core Value: RESPECT
Respect is one of our 5 Core Values:
Creating an environment where people both honor their body and their unique needs while protecting and valuing our shared space and the needs of others.
The meaning of respect in its simplest form is; a feeling or expression of admiration or regard for something or someone. It can be shown through polite behavior, careful consideration and avoidance of actions that would harm or disrespect. At the Studio, we’re cultivating mutual respect by starting and ending classes on time, supporting students whether they’re beginners or taking their one thousandth class, and being up front and transparent with our pricing and policies. Here are some of those policies that keep things running smoothly:
-Studio doors open 15 minutes before class and close 15 minutes after. This gives our staff a chance to prep everything before you walk in the door and for all members a chance to set up their space with any necessary equipment, say hi to their neighbor, and get into “class mode.”
-Pre registering for class ensures your spot and lets us know that you are coming! Canceling off the waitlist or out of class gives another member an opportunity to attend.
-We ask that all unnecessary personal items stay out of the hot room, this includes but is not limited to; phones, gum, food, bags, keys, clothing. Please do bring in water, your mat, a towel, and any other necessary items like inhalers.
-Our teachers and staff will start each class on time and end on time because we value your time and understand that we all have personal schedules. If you need to exit class early, please let your teacher know ahead of class and leave any equipment in the hot room.